How to Make a Spicy Vegetarian Chili in Less Than 30 Minutes

Name: Spicy Jackfruit Chili
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp sunflower oil; 2 cans green jackfruit in brine, (drained and rinsed with seeds removed ); 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced); 1 Tbsp minced jalapeno; 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 can black beans, (drained and rinsed ); 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup chopped tomatoes; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp chipotle powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp salt (to taste); 1/4 cup diced scallions; 1/4 cup vegan cheese crumbles or shreds ((optional))

Emily Laurence

6 years ago

Chili has long been a dinnertime savior, served during summer cookouts, cold winter nights, and every evening in between when there’s a craving for something warm and hearty. It’s a year-round staple—especially when you’re cooking for a big, hungry crew.

While the typical chili protocol is to let the ingredients stew for hours, enhancing all the flavors, sometimes, you don’t have hours. That’s why vegan recipe developer Jackie Sobon crafted this still-delicious version that takes less than 30 minutes to make. “It’s perfect for when you’re short on comfort and time—and you won’t be missing any of that bold flavor,” she says of her recipe, which is in her new book, Vegan Yack Attack On The Go!.

“Jackfruit is great as a substitution for meat because it is so versatile, contains no cholesterol, and is rich in fiber.” —Vegan recipe developer Jackie Sobon

The main ingredient in her perfected recipe: jackfruit, a plant-based protein. What makes jackfruit so great is that it’s high in protein, potassium, and vitamin B, and lower in calories than most meat-free alternatives like corn and soy. “Jackfruit is great as a substitution for meat because it is so versatile, contains no cholesterol, and is rich in fiber,” Sobon says. She uses it with beans, tomato paste, and several key spices (for a little kick).

If 30 minutes is still a little too long, Sobon offers up this shortcut: “Try making the chili in an Instant Pot, but browning the jackfruit and onion for two to three minutes on the sauté function, and then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes,” she says.

Scroll down for the recipe and to see how easy it is to make.